Tributes for Benbecula postman killed by own van

ALISTAIR MUNRO

Tributes have been paid to a postman who died after being knocked down by his own van while he was delivering mail.

• Tributes paid to Ronnie Morrison, who died after being hit by his own van after delivering mail to his mother

• “All-round good guy” Mr Morrison was left trapped under the vehicle after it reversed over his body

Ronnie Morrison is understood to have become caught under the vehicle as he removed parcels in the village of

Creagorry on Benbecula.

He was known locally as “Ronnie Mor”, Gaelic for “Big Ronnie”, to islanders in the close-knit community in the Outer Hebrides.

Local councillor Archie Campbell said yesterday that Mr Morrison had just delivered mail to his own mother when the accident happened on Thursday.

“The community is just saddened by what has happened. It seems to be just a tragic accident,” Mr Campbell said.

“It occurred so close to where his mother, who is in her 90s, lived. She came over to Scotland shortly after the war from Germany and is a lovely lady. She will be devastated. Ronnie was known to most people on the island as the postie, and also from previously working at the Dark Island Hotel.”

Officers from Northern Constabulary’s road policing unit in Dingwall travelled to the Hebridean island and were continuing their investigations into the accident yesterday.

Stephen Peteranna, who runs the Dark Island Hotel, said: “Ronnie was well known, well liked and well respected.

“This is absolutely devastating. It is a small community and it just hurts everybody. He worked here both part-time and full-time and was an all-round good guy.”

One of Mr Morrison’s neighbours said: “Everyone loved Ronnie. He was a great guy. He had just delivered my mail and we had chatted.”

Businessman Angus Doyle saw the postman at least twice a week with deliveries.

He said: “Ronnie was a genuinely nice guy, down-to-earth and with a happy smile. We had good craic and he always went above and beyond. He looked after everyone. He’ll be sadly missed.

“He was a hard worker who was well known on both sides of the bar. No one had a bad word to say about him.

“It is so tragic. I feel for his whole family.”

A Royal Mail spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately one of our postmen on Benbecula died while delivering the mail.

“We are assisting the police in their investigation. Our thoughts are with the postman’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”

Mr Morrison had lived close to his mother in Ford Terrace, where the accident happened. In his 60s, he is survived by wife Joan and daughters Kathleen and Anita.

Kathleen is serving with 16 Regiment Royal Artillery and had just left the island after home leave, while Anita has two children.